Research has found that when the internet explosion came, it would result in a drastic decrease in time spent watching TV. They were right! Television ratings have dropped by 50% over the last 10 years. This has been said to be the fastest decline since records were kept.

Companies that focus on these statistics, usually base their conclusions on the “key groups” of 18 to 49 year olds. They found that viewing dropped by 17% and that the ABC, NBC and FOX networks were the hardest hit.

Many factors could attribute to this decline, but the “writing has been on the wall” for some time. Almost ten years ago, studies predicted the TV viewing public would be significantly affected by Internet use and online social websites. Although TV continues to remain the dominant medium, the surging generation of so-called “digital natives” has had the greatest effect? This generation, the first to be born into the world of the web, seem to prefer other mediums. What’s funny is that services such as video games, mobile apps, online videos, Netflex and U-tube may not be the real concern.

Experts claim that TUMBLR is the “new TV.  At the present time, viewers spend a lot of time watching programs produced by publishers, networks and studios. Could it spark a facebook type revolution, where stories tell of teen and young adults feeling addicted to facebook? Could Tumblr be the next sensation? Tumblr, in many ways, creates the same feelings that TV once provided. On closer inspection, it is clear that Tumblr fans are entertained by similar content still produced for “old media” like TV shows and movies. Keep in mind, consumers are a fickle group. Thus, some feel that Tumblr may not last. And what is its rising competition— Twitter.

At the same time, twitter is slowly heading in the direction of a prime place for media consumption. In a completely different approach than Tumblr, Twitter has its eyes set on being the first “TV companion app. Sure, the networks are clearly hungry to get a piece of the online action – it’s money for the taking. But at the end of the day, they’re still promoting “TV” – as in, flip a switch, power up your DVR, old-school television.”

It is a known fact that Twitter has spent a lot of time focusing on the confused and outdated TV industry. Not only has it partnered with Nielson to secure Twitter TV ratings, but it has connected with Fox, the Weather Channel, Bloomberg TV, ESPN, NBA and Major League Baseball, to name a few. They have invested large sums of money into these outlets.

The good news for many fans is that TV will probably never entirely disappear. But, like other mediums, such as music and books, it is definitely going to change. However, as the older generation leaves the market, the real power will be in the hands of this new crowd of consumers. They may not like TV as much as their parents did and may not even enjoy tweeting. Whether they will continue to spend time on Tumblr is yet to be seen.

That is the beauty of New Media.  We never know whats coming up next.

The post TUMBLR & TWITTER, OUR NEW TV appeared first on CHIORI New Media Developers.

Knowing where your website is hosted combined with your domain name suffix/extension (.com, .co.uk, etc.,) will determine which geographical version of Google will give you the best results. If you use a generic name suffix such as .com, .org or any domain that is not country specific, Google and the other search engines will determine the location of your website’s business. If you are a US company, and you are working to get US visitors to your site, but your hosting company has servers based outside of the America, your site will often not show up in the US search results. This will probably result in lost revenue. Popular search engines such as Google offer two kinds of search. You can search the web by country such as the US or UK, or you can search from all over the world.

Most hosting companies buy the least expensive servers, and do not really care what part of the world they are hosted from. Their concern is simply how to make the most profit. Keep in mind that if your business is based in the UK and your host is located in the US, your business will be affected. Most of your searchers will actually be using Google.co.uk instead of Google.com so you should do your best to target them.

Another important issue to think about when considering server location is the load speed of your website. A US based server hosting visitors from another country will take longer to load, then it would hosting to a users own country. This is one more reason to choose your host company within the country where your website and eventual business is directed.

In conclusion, make certain that when purchasing a server or host that you think about location before considering other needs. If you bypass this issue, you will probably be wasting your SEO efforts on an internet site that cannot reach its potential. Remember that clients from all over the world choose to host their sites with USA based hosting companies for the affordable price, quality customer service and reliability servers. If this fits into your plan, go with it. If your host service is already in place, be sure to take note where it is based. You can access this information easily by simply calling your host company. Although changing sites can be time consuming, once it is done you can be assured that your selection is best for your SEO strategy.

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Successful Digital agencies have used the popularity of the social media to their advantage. They are known for their desire to share ideas to advance their product by presenting new concepts and then work to perfect them. These agencies feel they have the “know how” to call themselves the innovative pioneers of the web. On the opposite side, are the traditional Ad agencies that hire consultants to come up with ideas methodically and thus present a slower and less sophisticated attempt to shine within the world of digital technology. They have substantial budgets that enable them to take time to plan their strategies. But, some ask if that is sensible business practice. Those lavish offices and enormous staffs have dwindled a lot in the last few years.

TRADITIONAL

Traditional Agencies are anchored down by their experiences which spans many years. Most agree that it is difficult for a large, slow-moving organization, with time to ponder, set-up and execute, to compete against a smaller, technically endowed organization that’s a master of cyberspace and understands the flexibility of the social network.  Kinda like a  large cruise ship. One agency has the leisurely time to maneuver slowly whereas digital agencies, small speed boats, rely on speed and faster output. Costs are less in the digital world attributable to their smaller overhead. They can avoid icebergs rapidly.

Large commercial accounts feel lost in the digital world and resort to traditional agencies to keep them updated. In turn, the agencies outsource Digital work outside of their office because the Digital world is so vast and changes so quickly.

Most experts within the field agree that a workplace that cannot prove that its concepts will work well online, is an agency whose days are numbered!

Ad agencies refuse to bridge the creative process within the digital world.  This will force the culture in these agencies to change.

Despite what beliefs these agencies hold, the creation of communications that capture the imagination of our digital-dependent society is clearly the way to the future.

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Apps @chiorimedia.com

Modern technology has developed so rapidly in the past few years, that it is difficult to remember when the iPhone was non existent. Actually, it has been just five years since it was developed, but initially, the apps were pre-installed and the selection was limited. Apple, the developer of the iPhone, did not even make additional apps available. A built-in Safari web browser was used by developers to create new apps. It was not surprising to many, that shortly thereafter; some creative hackers cracked the code and created their own iPhone apps. The Apple policy quickly changed.

Today, Apple’s App store is remarkably different then it was in 2007. The store is stocked with more than 700,000 apps. This equipment is available in Apple’s App Store and in the Google Play and Microsoft marketplaces. Techies know that the developers re-coded the iPhone to work on a device running Google’s Android operating system. This, in fact, led to a series of web apps.

Over the past decade, the web has become ‘the way’ to economically communicate and exchange information. Apps use different technologies to perform certain tasks. Most are built in standards-based technologies. When the app is converted or re-programmed, it can actually run any platform with a modern, standards-compliant web browser. Users on iPhones and other software can all access the same app and run it just as well as on any other platform.

In contrast, Native apps can only perform on the one platform they were built for, adding more wait time and higher cost to their production. It seems clear that the web app is the better choice. Why then, are native apps still being built? Native apps do have advantages and offers many options, but their shelf-life is limited. With several new developments, eventually, native apps with be obsolete and follow in the path of desktop apps.

At the present time, native apps seem more polished in their look and feel. As far as aesthetic detail and general user experience, web apps cannot compete with native apps. Native apps have also pre-loaded many of its elements which make them faster and easier to access user data. The web has advanced significantly since its onset and will soon be able to compete directly with the artistic and creative abilities of native apps.

Native apps are quite easy to find at the Apple App Store or on Google Play. The difficulty with creating a successful app store is attracting those willing to devote the time, effort and capital needed to create many of the apps that users want. The bottom line is: COMPETITON. The big dealers: Apple, Google and Microsoft are seemingly quite content with the control and influence they possess in the distribution and marketing of their equipment. As web apps become more in demand, it will pose a threat to mobile apps. It is likely that stockholders will wage a fierce battle against anyone who might attempt to devalue their native app centers. It is encouraging to know that for consumers, there is not much that can stop the impending movement of web apps. They are at our doorstep. Since is not necessary to convince developers to create software for a specific platform, independent retailers will also become significant rivals.

Although a native app takes longer to build than a similar web app, it is likely that with newly developed tools and improved education, that will change. As developers become more skilled, operating system creators will be able to create app stores. Apple’s App Store will then have to make way for these new technologies used to create native apps. Eventually, app development costs will decrease dramatically, but it is unlikely that the expense of building multiple platforms and devices for native apps will change in the near future.

Much to the disappointment of developers, most mobile users update their apps quite frequently. As a result, the user base for a particular native app is spread across multiple versions. Quite often, when a user finds that his app is not working, the reason is simple. The user has not updated the app and is using the unsupported older version. Conversely, a web app user does not have to be concerned about updates and older versions. In this area, web apps hold leverage over native apps.

Native apps are very attractive to many consumers due to their ability to dominate the phone’s hardware so easily and consistently. Their access to the internet when the user is not connected is a strong selling point. Consider that web apps can only access GPS to a limited extent and are not capable of user access to a phone’s camera or any photos. Although this could change in future updates, the biggest challenge would be the lack of cooperation from the native app community. Their goal is to maintain the monopoly that is presently set firmly in place.

It is a fact that users of Apple technology are the most zealous owners out there. Their demand for the newest hardware is matched only by their insatiable desire for new apps. How does Apple manage to invigorate their loyal customers? Quite easily. Apple’s secret is their 400 million iTunes accounts that are accompanied by credit cards on file. Purchasing apps could not be easier. Select, enter a password, click and buy. That is the extent of the effort involved and it is a winner. Google and Microsoft may have far fewer accounts, but beware—those numbers are steadily rising.

The ease of purchasing native apps and making in-app purchases is becoming evident to many users. Although, at the present time there is no specific system in place for making a web app or buying web app add-ons, it is on the drawing board. Options such as: Pay Pal, Square, Venmo and others are being coaxed into joining the native team. Many in the tech field believe that the Apple Store will eventually become irrelevant. If enough developers and users get fed up with their policies, it will be doomed for failure.

For mobile development information, please do not hesitate in contacting me: birdie at chiorimedia.com

The post Comparison: Mobile Native Apps vs. Web Apps appeared first on CHIORI New Media Developers.

Researchers at the Centre of Microsystems Technology in Belgium are hopeful that their display of this new design will highlight the myriad of advantages offered by their LCD technology when compared to the LED-based lenses that many use today. Researchers in Belgium have designed the display so that the entire surface can be seen, analyzed and recorded by interested parties. It is important to note that its scope is fairly limited; since the LCD can only output “very basic” patterns similar to those of a small pocket calculator. They feel the future holds more promise and have publicly announced that they are engaged in discussions with the medical community, hopeful that they may see its medical benefits. Further development of this initial model is promising, and the LCD can eventually be used for a variety of medical purposes. Perhaps, doctors with patients who have a damaged iris can use this device to limit the amount of light transmitted to the affected area of the retina. Cosmetically, people with two different eye colors can possibly use these lenses to achieve color uniformity.

Within the next few years, researchers see this invention actually working for people in the ‘real’ world to solve serious eye problems. It is common knowledge in the optical community, that a human eye has difficulty in its ability to focus on close objects. Thus, items on display would be visible only to one not wearing the LCD device. This is a major shortcoming. Many people are, therefore, anxiously awaiting for the perfection and availability of GOOGLE GLASS. Don’t hold your breath; but if google can perfect this device, it will completely change the way we interact with the world. As of now, google glass is basically a small camera that is strapped to your head. If the “kinks” can be worked out, it would change the way we speak with each other, the way we buy products and the way we interact with all types of machinery. Google Glass might be ready to introduce to the public sometime at the end of 2013 or in 2014. It would be the first known “wearable computer.”

SERGEY BRIN WITH GOOGLE GLASSES

One of the interesting qualities of Google Glass is that it is non-blocking. You can use this device while you do other activities. There is no need to shift your attention from another task or even look at the camera. Ok, you better know how to multi task a bit, but ask any mom and she´ll teach you a thing or two. It doesn´t interfere with your daily routine in any way: it can take pictures, shoot videos, answer your phone, check your e-mail and give you driving directions, to name a few. Google Glass would be able to gently alter your behavior. Of course, there are pro and cons with every change. GGlass could help you become a much more productive person or it could turn you into someone who rarely needs to move a “finger” to have his desires met. SERGEY BRIN WITH GOOGLE GLASSES The true excitement comes from its potential as it opens new pathways in technology. It is a chance for us to reach for and satisfy our growing urge to communicate. Our reason for existing after all. We shall see what develops in the year ahead, but its great fun to consider the possibilities of new techniques that goes beyond modern technology and allow us to dream of what once was and what the future holds for us.
Long live Curley! (Mo and Larry too)

Picture credit IMEC/Ghent University.

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Unlike other companies, when Facebook announces a change in company policy, it has to deal with the repercussions of their decision in the form of angry wall posts. This past June, when changes were proposed to the Facebook privacy policy, only a small segment of users took the opportunity to vote. It has become public knowledge that a student group known as Europe vs. Facebook has been at the forefront of a developing controversy. This student group from Austria has been attempting to pressure the social media giant to adhere to European privacy laws. It has recently been reported by the New York Times that this group is preparing to meet the management of Facebook in court, citing their failure to revise their privacy policies. For almost a year, Facebook and its executives have been under scrutiny by the EU, literally forcing them to make some policy changes. Unsatisfied, the student activists continued to press the issue publicly. When Ireland inspected the security policies of Facebook, the company was forced to comply with that country’s policies, since they relentlessly searched into the security policies of Facebook management.

Research indicates that the office of the Irish Data Protection Commissioner first began to look into the policies of Facebook in 2010. Following this investigation, Facebook conceded that it would make a number of changes in their policies. According to this agreement, Facebook would discontinue its automatic facial recognition features segment and decrease the amount of time that it retained consumer privacy data. Despite these agreements, the student group has accused Facebook of a blatant violation of European privacy laws. One of their most blistering accusations is that users are only able to download an archive of their complete Facebook history. Despite the fact that anyone can buy your personal information, FB users can only access information posted from 2010 to the present. Thus, if you were a FB user prior to that date, you are unable to gain access and the student group wants that changed immediately.

As far as Facebook’s privacy policy, there is much that the group is critical of including the casual dismissal of many of the EU’s strict guidelines. To put it simply, they accuse Facebook of composing guidelines so vague, that it gives the company the latitude to basically do whatever they please with their data. The student group claims that legal issues have been reworded and twisted in order to bypass EU’s strictest requirements. Google is another major violator who has also been challenged by the group. They have also been strongly urged to rewrite the privacy policies to meet

EU STANDARDS. ( Great related Youtube Interview with Eric Schmidt ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_7IcuSJ1-k&feature=youtu.be )

There is strong evidence that the company needs to amend many of the rules that govern their data use policies. Change will only happen if more than 30% of the USERBASE makes their voices heard.

The importance of a company’s privacy policy cannot be underestimated. The purpose of this policy is to protect us as customers. Unfortunately, there are not many laws that deal with our personal information and how it should be protected. Facebook must accept their responsibility to guarantee that our information is, in fact, being protected and your vote is the only way to assure that this will happen.

The post Is Privacy dead, should we just get over it? appeared first on CHIORI New Media Developers.

However, the long answer is that it will forever change the way we will interact with technology.

On the heels of Steve Jobs passing, the iPhone 4Si arrived, somewhat quietly, compared to earlier Apple product releases.  ”S” is for SIRI, a company Apple purchased a few years earlier that specialized in voice recognition software. The 4Si can update your calendar, check the weather, set reminders, play music, and write and send emails and texts, etc. You’re probably already using something similar when you call the utility companies and you’re prompted to speak your selections instead of keying it in.

Like most things that Apple makes, SIRI, will fundamentally change the world yet again. This time it will make us rethink search engines and the optimization requirements they require (SEO).  The battle for first place positioning on Google’s search results can mean life or death of a business lately. Now with programs like SIRI that maybe a thing of the past because search results won’t be based on how many backlinks you have, or the description you use or the keyword density you may or may not have. Now, its all about. your GPS, your likes and dislikes, and what you social media streams recommend. That’s how you’ll now receive your search results.

By forgoing search algorithms and  paying your SEO-way to the top spot of Google for say “Venice beach Italian restaurant”  won’t matter anymore.  As a result, smart small businesses that don’t rely on e-commerce will have to spend even more time optimizing listings on Google places, Yelp, Facebook Places, Foursquare etc.  For instance all Yelp recommendations are already embedded in Siri responses. That means that your Yelp listing matters a lot more than regular optimization.

Soon PPC (Pay Per Click ~ those ad links you rarely click on anyway) will soon become  irrelevant.  If you rely on PPC campaigns to drive traffic online, your business may drop as a consequence.  Let say you own a bakery and it  has a number of good reviews on Angie’s List (…because you offer incentives to all customers  that post reviews). That’s really awesome!  But, what if the Android’s version of Siri comes along (call it Speaktoit) and only includes results from say Chow.com ? If that happens, a major chunk of your social media marketing just disappears. So spend a large percentage of your time focused on optimizing your listings on Social Media, because soon your customers won’t be hanging out on search engines.

The post SIRI, or AI, Why it can end SEO as we know it. appeared first on CHIORI New Media Developers.

Internet connections vary around the world. In Africa most international connections are routed through a high latency satellite connection. The minimum page loading time in Gabon for instance about t 3 seconds.

When you design websites for the low-bandwidth environment in Africa, you come across uncommon constraints.  As more  Africans are able to connect to the web, the inequality in bandwidth reception among users is becoming extremely clear.

A “rule” of low-bandwidth development is that images must load  within 10 seconds!
(I know most if us could cook dinner and pick up kids from school in that amount of time)  So all page loading speeds are determined by the size of the elements and the size of external files it references (ie: css, JavaScript, images and multi-media).

Here are a couple sites we just completed for this market segment.

• www.RigAfrica.com
• www.CrewFlightServices.com

Here are some  basic rules of low-bandwidth development & design.

No page should be larger than 25k
Perhaps the most important item..build your pages to load within 10 seconds over 25 kbps connections, which means 25kB is the maximum page size.

Good structure
Give users a really simple navigation menu. Simple colors. Simple fluidity. You’ll find that  you’re actually reaching into the core of your web design zen when doing so  .  Don’t use tables for layout and place the main navigation items at the top of each page so they’ll  load and display first.

Reduce Images Of Course
Yes, good design is possible without tons of images. Always use the style sheets to build layouts and roll-overs for instance.  Also make sure your site is usable if images are turned off in the browser. Condense ( http://www.smushit.com/ysmush.it/ )   all your images for optimum performance.

Make the site Cache-able
Browsers should be able to keep a local copy of the  ”cached” website.

You have to avoid PDFs
Or if you must have it  optimised by using vector-based graphics.

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Ok so I know Google kinda failed with Orkut as Facebook replaced it. Oh there’s Buzz too…and then Wave..but darn it I know the 4th time is the charm..besides all these past applications were insanely awesome compared to FB’s technology, it was just that they never got people to make the switch. This time my instinct tell me this will be a huge success.

Google+ will have a tough battle mustering people from FB Facebook. Facebook has such a big lead in it’s market. Specially since Google and Facebook are good at different things. You can do alot of things on Facebook because its older and the industry standard in Social media, but Google+ has just started so you have to give it a lil bit of time to compare.

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